3 Must-Try Whiskey Cocktails for Fall

If you’re like me, you’ve spent most of your life shying away from or being intimidated by whiskey. But when Firefly Distillery approached me to partner on the launch of their new flavored whiskey line, Steel Feathers by Tom & Huck Distillers, I was definitely intrigued. It’s the ‘flavored’ part that caught my attention, as the collection includes an espresso whiskey, a southern tea whiskey and a blackberry whiskey. I found it to be the perfect introduction to whiskey for those who are curious and want to explore an accessible way to try it (aka, me!).

Here are 3 whiskey cocktails to try this fall, featuring the Steel Feathers collection, whether you’re a new or experienced whiskey drinker.

Spiced Espresso Martini

2 oz Steel Feathers Espresso Whiskey

1 oz espresso 

.5 oz coffee liquor 

.5 oz cinnamon simple syrup

Nutmeg & coffee beans for garnish 

Add ice to a martini glass and set aside. In a cocktail shaker, combine the Steel Feathers Espresso Whiskey, espresso, coffee liqueur, and cinnamon simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well. Discard the ice from the martini glass and strain the mixture into the chilled glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a few coffee beans.

Southern Sunset

2 oz Steel Feathers Southern Tea Whiskey

.5 oz peach + mint simple syrup infused with ginger 

4 oz fresh lemonade

2 dashes bitters

Lemon & mint for garnish

In a cocktail shaker, combine the Steel Feathers Southern Tea Whiskey, peach and mint simple syrup infused with ginger, lemonade, and bitters. Shake well, then pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh mint.

Blackberry Steel

2 oz Steel Feathers Blackberry Whiskey

3 oz fresh lemonade

2 dashes orange bitters

Fresh blackberries & mint sprig for garnish 

In a cocktail shaker, muddle two blackberries and two mint leaves. Add the Steel Feathers Blackberry Whiskey, lemonade, and bitters. Shake well, then pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with additional blackberries and a sprig of mint.

I was pleasantly surprised with how each one of these turned out. Both me (new to whiskey) and my husband (an experienced whiskey drinker) enjoyed each cocktail equally. The cinnamon-infused simple syrup really added a nice twist to the Espresso Martini, while the Southern Sunset was a little on the sweeter side and incredibly refreshing. The Blackberry Steel was a show-stopper, offering a perfect balance of flavors and sweetness.

If you’re not quite ready to purchase the products or make them at home, you can go for a tour & tasting at Firefly Distillery to test out Tom & Huck Distillers’ Steel Feathers collection yourself. Use code ‘CHOWINGDOWN10’ for $10 off your tasting & tour, making it only $5 per person for a tasting flight of 6 spirits and a souvenir shot glass.